India denies reports of Musk joining Trump-Modi during their phone call on West Asia crisis

India on Saturday dismissed American media reports that billionaire businessman Elon Musk joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during their recent phone call to discuss the West Asia crisis.

In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted that the telephonic conversation was only between the two leaders.

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“We have seen the story. The telephone conversation on 24 March was between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump only. As has been stated earlier, it provided the opportunity for exchange of views on the situation in West Asia,” Jaiswal said.

The clarification came after The New York Times reported that ‘’Musk participated in a phone call on Tuesday with President Trump and Prime Minister Modi of India, an unusual appearance by a private citizen on a call between two heads of state during a wartime crisis.”

The news report said the inclusion of Musk, who holds no official government role, stood out given the sensitivity of discussions between world leaders, particularly during a conflict.

What Modi and Trump discussed?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

The two leaders discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

“Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia,” Modi said on X.

The Prime Minister reiterated India “supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest.”

He further added, “Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world.”

The two leaders also agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability.